McPherson woman waits for lung transplant

Chancey Buchman Lehman 31, of McPherson is no stranger to hard work and struggle.

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By Teri L. HansenStaff Writer

McPhersonSentinel - McPherson, KS

By Teri L. HansenStaff Writer

Posted Aug. 8, 2014 at 9:32 AM

By Teri L. HansenStaff Writer
Posted Aug. 8, 2014 at 9:32 AM

Chancey Buchman Lehman 31, of McPherson is no stranger to hard work and struggle.

A the age of 17, Chancey was diagnosed with the life-threatening genetic disease cystic fibrosis, a recessive disease that affects the lungs.

On June 27, Chancey was contacted and told the good news that she was on the list for a double lung transplant.

“I have been beyond blessed to have been receiving such amazing treatment from my CF care team for the past few years,” Chancey said. “They have gone above and beyond for me and my family.”

Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in a person’s lungs and digestive tract. Most people are diagnosed with this disease as infants. Chancey was diagnosed after years of testing and surgeries to find out why she was having difficulty breathing.

Chancey currently takes medications, utilizes oxygen tanks and participates in therapies daily to help her breathe better. The physiotherapy Chancey receives at home is a family effort. While Chancey lays flat on her stomach, her husband Cason cups his hands and repeatedly thumps her back to break up the mucus built up in her lungs. This therapy is combined with nearly four hours of inhaled medications and other therapies daily.

While medical treatments for CF continue to improve, there is no cure right now. Lehman is living her life with 26 percent lung function, so a lung transplant is a very important positive step for her quality of life. Without the transplant, Lehman’s ability to breathe will continue to decrease.

Throughout the years, Chancey has continued to maintain her positive outlook on life. She graduated from McPherson High School in 2001, played soccer in junior college, married her husband, had a baby girl named Cutler and helps others with respiratory illnesses as a respiratory therapist.

“Chancey is an amazing person. At times, we experience guilt for our feelings of self-pity, when not once did she ever complain or ask, ‘Why me?’” Chancey’s parents Rod and Cheryl Buchman said. “Instead, thankful it was her instead of one of her brothers or sisters, she faced the diagnosis with courage and accepted her challenges head-on, never asking for sympathy or special treatment. She exemplifies what toughness and courage are all about. She is more concerned about the health and well-being of her family and others, than her own.”

Doctors are telling Chancey now, that there is a small window of opportunity for transplant. There is no guarantee that lungs that are the appropriate size to fit her body will be available soon. Her insurance has recently denied access to Kalydeco a new prescription medicine specifically for CF patients, that may help sustain lung function. The cost of Kalydeco is almost $30,000 a month and carries no guarantee of success.

Page 2 of 2 - From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 23, there will be a benefit for Chancey at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 119 N. Elm St., McPherson. The Chancey’s 2nd Chance Silent Auction and Barbecue will raise money to help with the cost of Chancey’s medical bills. A few of the silent auction items include Kansas University football and basketball tickets, Oklahoma University football tickets, Kansas City Chiefs tickets and Oklahoma Thunder tickets. A list of items up for auction soon will be available at the Chancey’s 2nd Chance Facebook page.

“I have really been struggling to find the words to adequately express my sincere gratitude to everyone for their thoughts, prayers and generosity. I have read each comment and take each word of encouragement to heart. I am truly honored. I am so inspired to make the most of my 2nd Chance by people’s stories and words of encouragement,” Chancey said. “The support of this community is so amazing. I cannot say thank you enough.”

Learn more about Chancey’s 2nd Chance Silent Auction by visiting www.facebook.com/events/577113689074632/. To donate online, use the following link: www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/chancey-s-2nd-chance/194253.

Payments can also be sent to For the Benefit of Chancey Buchman Lehman, PO Box 151, McPherson, KS 67460.